Archbishop backs priest in ‘Killinascully’ house dispute
Pat Shortt refuses to be drawn into row between villages
THE parish priest from the real-life villages of fictional Killinaskully has been backed by his Archbishop after letters of complaint were made.
We previously revealed how locals in Tipperary are at odds about proposals to sell the parochial house in one hamlet to fix the church roof in another.
There were also complaints Fr James O’donoghue, 55, who represents both St Joseph’s Church in Ballinahinch and the Sacred Heart Church in Killoscully, does not always stay in the parochial house.
Fr O’donoghue, who is asthmatic, explained health concerns mean he sometimes stays 60km away in his mother’s house in Cashel. The office for Cashel and Emly Archbishop Kieran O’reilly has now released a statement to back the parish priest.
A spokesperson said: “Fr James O’donoghue has the full support of Archbishop O’reilly. This is a matter between Fr O’donoghue and the Archbishop. There is no further comment.”
Some parishioners called for the star of hit TV show Killinaskully to step in. One said: “Maybe the intervention of Pat Shortt might cool the heat.”
His spokesperson revealed the awardwinning comedian was not initially aware of the situation because he was “out of the country” and added: “He has no comment to make.”
Fr O’donoghue told the Irish Mirror the letters which had been sent to the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly are “disheartening”.
He said: “We are looking at the possibility of selling the place [the parochial house in Ballinahinch] but we have made no decision about it. It’s up to the people to sell the house because it’s theirs to sell.
“I have been here five years and I live in the parochial house but it is in disrepair. That’s why we’re looking at it and wondering about the future.”